District Leadership Development Events (LDEs) serve as the first step for FFA members aiming to qualify for state-level competition. At these events, members demonstrate their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills through contests such as Creed Speaking, Prepared and Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Employment Skills, and Parliamentary Procedure. Top-placing individuals and teams from each district advance to the State LDEs, held during the New Mexico State FFA Convention, where they compete against the best in the state. In addition, middle school members have the opportunity to compete in the State Junior High LDEs, which provide valuable early experiences in public speaking and leadership, helping prepare them for future success in high school FFA events.